Moral statements and positions will, necessarily, impact political issues. This is not because morality is inherently political, but because government has the task of recognizing the difference between good and evil, so moral issues will have to be dealt with (Rom 13:3-4). This means that, contrary to what is so often stated and argued, morality will be legislated by government, and it will be legislated from a worldview that either recognizes the significance of God or not. To say that God needs to be kept out of politics, then, is to default to the secularized view of morality; and secularized morality will then be legislated. Why is it that people default to keeping God out of it instead of keeping the secularized views of reality out of it? And why do some Christians seem to be buying into all of this?

We need to see what has happened here. Many have bought into the notions that 1) God and religion must be kept out of politics, and 2) morality is not something that can be legislated. In fact, both are false. God is never out of politics, and we are fooling ourselves if we think so, given that God rules in the kingdoms of men. Every worldview says something about God. If a worldview says there is no God, then a notion of God is still a part of the position, and actions will be taken that demonstrate that disbelief. Further, every law is a legislation of morality in one form or another; there is no way around it. The question is, will the legislation come from those whose worldview respects God as the foundation or not?

I don’t say all of this in order to argue that Christians need to get more political. I’m arguing that Christians need to say more about God and morality in every area of life. We don’t check our God at the door when we enter a political arena, and we don’t set aside godly morals when we engage the culture. We don’t take a moral view of something based on politics, but surely our political views ought to be based on godly morality. The point then is not that we need more political activists. The point is that we need to be more engaged in the moral discussions of our culture and take a stand for what is right, regardless of political fallout. In other words, it’s not about being political; it’s about standing for what’s right in the middle of a crooked and perverse generation.
Even more, we need to hold up the gospel itself to the world. The answer to our problems is not to vote in or out this or that politician. No government in history has been a bastion of godliness, and I don’t expect that to change. The answer is always where it has been: in Christ. The problems of this world won’t be fixed by human government, but by the gospel. “The kingdoms of earth pass away one by one, but the kingdom of heaven remains.”

So Christians should be concerned with 1) holding out the gospel to a lost world, and 2) standing up for Christ and His morality. It’s not politics. It’s just what’s right
Irvin Himmel

There is an old saying that Moses was a “somebody” for forty years, and then a “nobody” for forty years, and then learned what God could do with a nobody for forty years. There’s a lot of truth to this summary of Moses’ life! These three phases of Moses’ life afford us some vital lessons in understanding how God prepares us for leadership.

First, Moses’s life teaches us that God uses the experiences we have when we are “nobodies” to prepare us for leadership. After Moses threw his lot in with his fellow Hebrews and struck down the abusive Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:11-15), he fled from Egypt to the land of Midian, where he became a shepherd (Exodus 3:1). This period did indeed last forty years (Acts 7:23, 30). Forty years of obscurity.

And yet, God was using this time of apparent insignificance to prepare Moses for the work of shepherding the people of Israel, the flock of God. “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron” (Psalm 77:20). And indeed, whether it is the later kings of Israel, modeled after David (Psalm 78:70-22), or the elders of churches, modeled after the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:1-4), the leaders of the people of God are frequently described as shepherds.

And just like Moses, David and our Lord himself both experienced periods of relative obscurity. David as the smallest of his family, watching his father’s flocks, and Jesus as a carpenter like his earthly father, Joseph. But when the time came, all three of these men were ready to embrace the responsibility God gave them, precisely because God had prepared them.

Those who desire to serve as elders likewise must go through a time of preparation. That maturing process is what Paul has in mind when he describes the character of overseers as those who are experienced in managing their homes (1 Timothy 3:4), mature in the faith (3:6), and respected by those outside the faith (3:7). All of this takes time. Similarly, those who serve as deacons must be “tested first” (1 Timothy 3:10). Leaders must be those with proven character, and it is that refining work that God does even when we may think nothing important is happening. That is how God prepares “nobodies” to be leaders. When we are faithful over little, God will set us over much (Matthew 25:21).

Second, Moses’ transformation into a leader by God’s power is a reminder that spiritual leaders must rely on God and not on themselves. Moses’ excuses in response to God’s call at the burning bush are well-known. What is important to see is that in response to each excuse, God provided Moses what he needed. Need a name to give to Israel? No problem – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you’” (Exodus 3:14). Need a sign of authenticity? No worries – God gave Moses miraculous signs to persuade the people (Exodus 4:1-9). Need help articulating your message? No trouble – “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak” (Exodus 4:11-12).

Perhaps this is why it is so common for leaders in the Bible to go through periods of obscurity. Those are the very moments when any puffed-up sense of self is deflated, when self-reliance is impossible, and the only way forward is through dependence on God. David came to know through his lonely experiences as a shepherd, fending off a lion and a bear, that it was ultimately the Lord who delivered him (1 Samuel 17:37). And Jesus may have grown up in a village of little reputation, but he grasped that his sustenance was doing the will of the Father (John 6:38).

In fact, Moses’ greatest failure – the episode of the waters at Meribah – was caused by a lack of reliance on God (Numbers 20:10-13). That is always the way godly leaders are derailed. Success and prosperity seduce leaders into imagining that they are the ultimate cause of their own success.

For all leaders, it is especially important to ask the question, “What do you have that you did not receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7). God literally took what was in Moses’ hand – his staff – and made more of it than Moses ever dreamed. So long as leaders recognize this utter dependence on God, they will lead with humility and integrity.

There is a third lesson from the preparation of Moses. Leaders must lead themselves before they can lead others. The end of Exodus 4 contains a jarring story: At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision (Exodus 4:24-26).

This unexpected development only makes sense when we keep a few big picture things in mind. First, God was using Moses to keep covenant promises he had made long ago to the patriarchs (as Exodus 2:23-3:6 explains). The sign of that covenant was circumcision (Genesis 17:9-10). So, God called Moses to lead the people in fulfillment of a grand covenant, and Moses was not even following the expectations of the covenant in his own family!

The point is that Moses could not lead the people as part of a covenant that he himself did not respect. He had to keep it himself, first. That is part of what he should have been doing in his time of preparation. He needed to “lead” himself, in other words. And that is why God has always expected the leaders of his people, whether physical Israel or spiritual Israel, to be men of proven character. You can’t teach what you don’t know, and you can’t lead if you don’t follow Christ.

Moses was not a perfect leader, but by God’s grace, Moses was a great leader. God empowered him to lead the people in the most amazing time of Israel’s history in the Old Testament. And God’s estimate of Moses speaks volumes: “He is faithful in all my house” (Numbers 12:7). That is the highest honor any leader could ever receive, and it is the honor that awaits us if we allow God to prepare us, empower us, and admonish us. Shane Scott

Three women face the problem of modesty.  All three recognize the teaching of I Tim 2:9,  “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.”  However, their attitudes toward modest dress differ considerably.

The first woman takes the “Where do you draw the line?” view.  If someone could draw the line for her (at the knee? ankle? calf?) and prove by the Bible that it was the line separating modesty from immodesty, she would abide by it (she says).  But, meanwhile, until someone comes up with the Bible line, she wears what she wants to.  If anyone approaches her about her immodesty, she justifies herself with one question, “Where do you draw the line?”, followed by one observation, “Grandma wore her dress at the ankles, you know.”

The second woman takes the “follow the dress code” view.  She has listened to sermons on modesty, and has established for herself a code of dress by which she lives religiously:  no shorts, no halters, no swimsuits, skirt below the knee, high neck, etc.  She is a good woman and is to be commended for her conscientiousness, but it has never “dawned” on her that a woman can dress by her code and still be worldly, suggestive, and immodest in appearance.  She would be shocked to learn that reasonable people consider her to be immodest at times.

The third woman is concerned about dress, but is more concerned about the character of which dress is a reflection.  Recognizing Bible teaching concerning purity and chastity, she has become genuinely pure and chaste, not only in conduct, but in heart and disposition.  She is pure “through and through,” “inside out,” and her clothing reflects that purity.  Decency of dress is not a mechanical, “follow the dress code” type of thing with her.  It is a natural outgrowth of her modesty from within.  While other sisters in Christ grope with I Tim 2:9, and wonder why the Lord would be so restrictive in their dress, she sees that teaching as being perfectly natural, an obvious supplement to Bible teaching concerning purity and chastity of heart and life.

Her dress reflects her character in other areas.  For instance, she seeks to be lady-like in heart and demeanor, and this attitude is reflected in her dress.  She remembers the warnings in the scriptures concerning pride, and has become truly “poor in spirit.”  This is also reflected in her dress.  Her dress in every way is a true commentary on her character.  One glance reveals that here is a woman who is pure, lady-like, humble, and genuine.

And is this not what I Tim 2:9 is teaching?  The verse says that we are to dress with modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety.  When we all develop these three qualities in our hearts, then — and only then — will our problems of dress vanish.
Bill Hall

“Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60)

The advertising slogan of a well known insurance company is:  “Life comes at you fast”.  Indeed it does.  It always amazes me at how quickly the week closes only to start another.  The months and years pass by so fast.  Our lives are so full of activities- school functions, ball games, vacations, and civic duties.  It is hard to find time for God.

God must be first in our thoughts.  Connecting with God is a prerequisite to a successful walk with him.  Do you engage in daily Bible reading, meditation, and prayer?  (Psalm 1;1,2)  Is a daily devotional at the top of your list?  Do you give time to spiritual thoughts only when it does not crowd other things out, or is the rule of God the passion of your life?

God must be first in your decisions.  Life is full of decisions such as what kind of career will I pursue, where will I live?  Band, athletics, speech, drama, and homework all compete for the time of our children.  All of these are important to the development of the child, but none of them as significant as learning that God must come first.  When I choose a place to live which is more important – living in a popular neighborhood or living closer to my spiritual family?  I’ve seen so many disciples choose the neighborhood over the spiritual family and before long God is forgotten.
 
God’s family must be the first of your associates.  God chose the local church as the organization through which to accomplish his collective work.  He knew that his people would need spiritual oversight, accountability, and encouragement.  A truth-loving, service-oriented church is vital to our spiritual growth.  Our society is full of parachurch organizations that compete with the local church.  These organizations include so-called “spiritually minded” folks that subscribe to the “salvation by faith only” doctrine and other denominational doctrines.  It concerns me when brethren make stronger connections to these organizations than they do with God’s people.

God’s image must be reflected in our character.  Every day we live and breathe and work with worldly people.  The selfish attitudes and value system of the ungodly are imposed upon us.  God saved us from sin to serve, not to be served. (Mt. 20:28)  We are to be noted for kindness and gentleness, but if God is not first, it is easy to imitate the rudeness and crudeness of the world.

Life does indeed come at us fast and before we know it – life will be over.  God has a life policy that ensures much better promises than anything the world offers.  For that reason, it is absolutely essential for us to make time for God.

George Slover

In the context of holiness, Paul instructs women to “…adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works” (I Timothy 2:9-10).

We communicate many things about our selves through dress. It should not be surprising that the woman of a “wily” heart is dressed “with the attire of a harlot” (Proverbs 7:10). The disposition of heart not only finds expression in word but often it manifests its character in dress.

The ostentatious or showy spirit often finds an outlet through extravagant hair styles, expensive jewelry and costly raiment. Paul is warning women readers to guard against inappropriate dress.

How does he combat the problem? Fight fire with fire. An unbecoming spirit is behind inappropriate dress, so if we concentrate on having a right spirit when we dress, our adornment should be appropriate.

One characteristic of a holy and godly heart is “shamefastness”. According to Vine, this “is that modesty which is ‘fast” or rooted in the character.” Like “bedfast” is describing one confined to bed, “shamefast” is modesty firmly imbedded in character. This godly heart understands the limits or boundaries of propriety and shrinks back from ever crossing the line instead of seeing how close one can come to the line.

Shamefastness is that character of heart that is concerned with how certain actions will affect others. We see this clearly when Jesus speaks of the “importunity” or “shameless persistence” (the opposite of shamefastness) of one who approaches the door of a friend at midnight. He is persistent in asking for bread, but shamelessly so. He does not care if his friend is in bed at midnight with his children or what the friend will have to do to accommodate his request. He has no shame regarding how his actions are affecting his friend (Luke 11:5-8).

Our dress has an effect upon others. “Shamefastness” factors this in and makes sure the dress for the occasion will be fitting within the limits of propriety, therefore not adversely affecting others.

Our purpose in assembling this morning is to worship and honor God, not put on a show with the new spring fashions. Shamefastness does not keep women from new things, it keeps her within the limits of modest dress, that manifests sobriety. Her dress never distracts other worshippers from the lofty purpose of honoring God by bringing undue attention to herself, or attracting the envious or even lustful gaze of the distracted.

Spring and summer seasons also tempt the ostentatious and showy spirit to show off more of the body rather than keep it modestly covered. Shamefastness will not allow an ostentatious spirit to take root and find expression in skimpy clothing. The woman with shamefastness considers how shorts exposing the thighs; halter tops, attracting eyes to the bare midriff; or swimsuits boldly revealing the female form will attract the wrong kind of response from men. So, she avoids such attire before the public’s eye.

The woman wanting to dress becomingly as one who is manifesting godliness can do so in any society. Developing shamefastness will help tremendously in dressing for all occasions.

Jerry Fite

Our Gospel Meeting

We are blessed to have Jeremy Koontz with us this week for a series of gospel lessons. Sarah and their three children also made the trip with Jeremy. Jeremy and Sarah were members of the Grissom Road Congregation until they moved for Jeremy to begin full time work as an evangelist. He is also the author of the following article.

Crispy Rice

That’s right, Crispy Rice. If you take a stroll down the cereal aisle at the local grocery store, you’re likely to come across this option right next to the Rice Krispies. You may also find Crisp Rice, Krispy Rice Treats, and Ricey Krisps. A little confusing, right? Well, Kellogg, the company behind the famous brand name Rice Krispies, may not be so happy about all the imitators, but the confusion works out pretty well for those selling the imitation brands! Why pay $4 for the box of Rice Krispies when the box of Crisp Rice only cost $3?

Every budget-conscious shopper has had the experience of reaching for the popular name brand product, then noticing a similar product with almost the same ingredients, appearance, and/or taste. The keyword is almost. And this sneaky, yet effective strategy of selling off-brand products is effective not just in selling cereal, but clothing, footwear, toys, etc. Why by a pair of $100 Nike shoes when you can get the Sikes that look almost the same with a similar logo for $50? So what if the heel falls off after a month of wear?

Now, there is nothing wrong with saving a little cash and not reaching for the popular name brand product every time, but what about when searching for a local church with which to worship and labor? If we know what the Lord has authorized for the worship and work of the local congregation, is it okay to settle for anything short of that, even if it saves us a little effort, a little time, even a little bit of self?

Here is one church that we know is striving to do everything the Lord has authorized. It’s the real deal, the “name brand” where the NAME or authority is Christ (Colossians 3:17). They are diligent in speaking and adhering to those “things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). But, one may have to travel a little further to worship and labor with this church. One may be called on a little more often to serve in different capacities. One may have to stand with the local congregation in truth on challenging or controversial issues (I Timothy 3:12). The cost, what is required from the individual, is greater.

However, on the way to worship with this sound congregation, not far from home, one notices another local church that at least has the name of Christ on the sign. This church has most of the same practices as the sound church, except they tolerate homosexual relationships among the members. This similar church preaches mostly the doctrine of Christ, except they do not adhere to what Christ taught regarding water baptism (Mark 16:16). They are a larger church, so one can slip in and out of services unnoticed without having to get too involved with the work or the members (maybe one won’t even have to make a regular contribution!). It is almost a church that strives to please the Lord in every possible way. Almost, like the Ricey Krisps.

The imitators of name brand products know that people will see the cheaper option and, at least, give some thought to giving up the premium goods because the imitation costs them less. Those who offer gospels and doctrines that are perversions of what the Bible teaches may not be doing so maliciously. They may not be intentionally trying to trick people into thinking they are getting a better deal by not strictly adhering to Truth, but people can be confused nonetheless. The world is full of watered-down versions of the Lord’s church that teach a cheap, watered-down gospel of Christ that is tastier and easier to swallow, that have a watered-down service, in the end, all of whom the Lord will reject. To these, the Lord might be heard to say, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish that you were cold or hot. Therefore, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you from my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

As advocates of the Truth, we must teach and remind the world that the Lord only accepts complete submission (Deuteronomy 10:12). Yes, in order to do all that the Lord requires, it is likely going to cost us quite a bit more…but what we have to pay is a guaranteed sound investment in the health and security of our souls.

Jeremy Koontz

In the eighteenth chapter of John, Christ stood before Pontius Pilate to answer charges of insurrection. Pilate, the governor of Judea, asked Christ if he was the King of the Jews. Christ answered by saying His kingdom was not of this world. Pilate then asked if He was a King. Jesus responded in John 18:37 by saying, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” Pilate, provoked by this response, replied, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Then Pilate, thinking his last question was unanswerable, departed from the presence of Christ.

More than 1900 years after the question was first asked, many people have not found the answer. We would like to suggest a few.

God’s Word Is Truth
A few hours before His death Christ prayed to His Father. In John 17:17 He said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” The sole source of religious truth is the word of God. Religious truth will never find its source in the creeds, catechisms and church manuals written by men.

Truth Is Valuable
Proverbs 23:23 says, “Buy the truth and sell it not.” The value of religious truth can be seen in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” All men are held in bondage to sin until they are set free by the gospel.

Truth Is Narrow
In mathematics there can only be one correct answer to any given problem. The same is true in religion. Sincerity alone is not enough (Matthew 7:2123). Many people teach that it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. The fallacy of this idea can be shown by the following statement: If it does not make any difference what you believe about Christ, then it can not make any difference if you believe in Christ. If it does not make any difference what you believe about how men are saved, then it can not make any difference if you believe anything about salvation. Will anyone deny it? The same could be said of the church and of God Himself!

Truth Is Binding
When a religiously honest man sees that he is mistaken, he ceases to be one of two things: either he ceases to be honest or he ceases to be mistaken. He cannot remain in error and retain his honesty. Many religious people have remarked, “Well, I don’t believe everything my church teaches.” If the church of which you are a member is in error, then you are obligated to either change that church or get out. Truth can have no fellowship with error. We must not give aid to any false teacher (2 John 9-11).

Truth Will Judge
In the resurrection day, you will not be judged by what your mother believed, what your father taught you or by what everyone else was doing at the time. You will be judged by the words of Christ (John 12:48). What you know about the truth and your reaction to it will determine what He will say to you on that final day. If we can be of assistance to you in your search for the truth, please contact us. If you do have a Bible, we would be happy to provide you with one.

David Padfield

Jesus taught us the power of a question. While the teaching of truth generically is necessary, a question brings the point home by putting one on the spot. It demands thought, puts the focus where it should be (Matthew 15:3), and cuts to the chase (Matthew 7:3). Let’s ask ourselves some questions honestly and push ourselves to better serve Jesus.

What has hindered me from obeying the truth? “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). The Galatians’ problem was that some still wanted to cling to the Old Covenant. My problem might be TV, or a trait that needs to be overcome (grouchiness, laziness), or a habit. We all fight the daily battle of distraction. Too many earthly things compete for our attention, and that leaves spiritual priorities postponed. For a lot of us, prioritizing is the key to improving ourselves.

What will I wish I’d done 1,000 years from now? The Bible teaches us to look ahead—way ahead (Luke 16:25, Hebrews 11:9-10). If we’re wrapped up in the moment, we’ll make a bad decision every time. The lusts of the flesh look appealing in the short-term, but what will my perspective be 1,000 years from now, after my life on earth is over and my eternity is based on my actions? Is any sin worth committing? Can any short-term pleasure or profit outweigh eternity? When you face a temptation or a big decision, think ahead—way ahead! Think like Abraham, who “was looking for the city which has foundations.”

What’s my ratio? Jesus tried to get people to focus on spiritual things. When He visited two sisters, “Martha was distracted” and “worried and bothered about so many things” whereas Mary had “chosen the good part” (Luke 10:38-42). We fall into the same trap.

I read an article by Gary Henry (wordpoints.com) entitled “What’s Your Evangelism-to-Entertainment Ratio?” Calculating a ratio reveals the cold, hard numbers that pierce me deeper than the vague question, “What are my priorities?” To find a ratio, simply divide two numbers. For example, if my time spent reading a novel one week is 420 minutes (an hour a day), and my time spent reading the Bible is 20 minutes, then my “novel-to-Bible” ratio is 21-to-1 (420/20 = 21). In other words, I spent 21 times the amount of time reading a novel as I spent reading the Bible. As brother Henry’s article suggests, try to calculate how much time you spend in the areas of entertainment versus time spent talking about the Bible with others.

Embarrassed yet? Below are some suggestions of ratios for us to think about: (1) # of words spoken/emailed to others vs. # of words used in prayer, (2) Monthly budget for eating out/entertainment/clothes vs. Monthly budget for hospitality/giving/Bible study books, (3) Time spent on Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram vs. Time spent thinking about “these things” (Philippians 4:8), (4) Time spent planning vacations/trips vs. Time spent planning for gospel meetings, (5) Time spent on homework/exams vs. Time spent on Bible class lessons. The Bible does not give numbers for us to meet, and I am not suggesting we try to bind any. This is just an exercise to evaluate where our priorities are.

What would I think about someone else who made the same excuses I use? When King David had embroiled himself in a wicked mess of adultery and a murder, God used a noteworthy technique to help him see his own guilt. The prophet Nathan told a story about someone else committing a sin parallel to David’s, and David condemned that fictional man to death. Then came the truth: “You are the man!” (II Samuel 12:1-7).

That’s a great lesson for us. One “trick” to evaluating ourselves is to pretend we’re evaluating someone else. Therapists use this technique by asking “What advice would you give to someone in your situation?” This helps us to throw away the excuses and look at things objectively. I might rationalize to myself, “But I don’t read my Bible because by the time we do this and this and this in the evenings, it’s bedtime.” But if I heard someone else say that, I’d probably think, “Well they just need to do whatever it takes…” I need to look at my life as an outsider—without knowledge of any excuses, just knowledge of the results.

Who is doing something better than me? This is not for the sake of measuring ourselves by ourselves (II Corinthians 10:12), but to obey the instruction in Philippians 3:17: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” It’s smart to take special notice of Christians who are doing well and imitate them!

Do you know someone who worships sincerely? Watch them. How are they doing it? What do they do before the service begins, or during the Lord’s Supper? Copy them! Do you know someone good at personal evangelism? Become a student of what they’re doing. Do they greet all the visitors? Do they ask leading questions? How is it that they always seem to end up talking with people about the Bible? Copy them!

I had the privilege of working with the preacher Dan Shipley during a couple of summers. I learned a lot about how to work with people just by observing him. He’d light up a room when he entered. He would say “Hi, how ya doin’?” to everybody in the hallway as he walked through a nursing home. His grin would send the kids giggling. He may have heard a little old lady tell the same story a hundred times, but he listened like it was the finest story ever told. And then, when he got into the pulpit, people listened because they knew he cared about them! That was a great lesson for this young preacher. I tell ya: you can learn a lot by looking at the good brethren around you.

Now that we’ve considered these questions, spend some time on your own trying to answer them honestly. Better to be embarrassed to the point of change now, than to suffer the consequence at Judgment!

David Watson
Benchley church of Christ
Benchley.org

World scholars seem to agree that the church was established in Jerusalem, the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 2: gives the record, and only a few with some creed to defend offer objection. But WHAT was established when the church was established? Foolish question?? Well, read Acts 2: carefully.

Any “dedication” services? “Chairman” appointed? Any of the “institutional” procedure one would expect if today’s common conception of “church” were correct? It just isn’t there.

Today the emphasis is upon the party– the church is something like a lodge, or “Royal Order of Saints”– a society, somehow related to certain buildings. This conception is missing in God’s record of establishment.

Prophecies concerning the establishment of the church invariably refer to the relationship, or the basis for the relationship, between God and individuals. Isaiah says, “the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains—” referring to the establishment of God’s law for all nations. (Isa. 2:1-f.) The promised kingdom was a promise of peace according to divine government. (Isa.9:1-f) The ransomed of Jehovah would walk in “The Way of Holiness.” (Isa. 35:8-f)

Little Red Wagon

It seems many think of the church as something like a little red wagon. “Established on Pentecost” — it stood ready to roll, and people could jump in and ride to heaven. But somewhere along the line a side-rail broke, an axle was bent, the tongue came loose, and finally a wheel fell away. Luther tried to put the wheel back on, but further bent the axle in his effort. Others replaced the tongue with a new but different instrument — unsuited to the purpose and function of the original tongue. Alas, the church was broken down and out of service.

Then A. Campbell and Barton Stone determined to restore the church. They straightened the axle, replaced the tongue with an original model, repaired the side-rail and put the wheel back in place. Now people could again ride home to heaven.

Have I stretched the picture? Perhaps — but only to emphasize what I believe to be an entirely erroneous conception of the church established on Pentecost. This is a denominational concept. It glorifies the “party” and does not properly distinguish between faithful and unfaithful people.

WHO are The Church??

The word “church” is a collective noun, and it “collects” people. But not just any people. Christ’s church consists of “Saints and faithful brethren,” “a people for God’s own possession.” (Col. 1:2 1 Pet. 2:9) Of all the multitude gathered in Jerusalem, only those who “gladly received his word” and “were baptized” became members of the church. (Acts 2:41)

Members of the church do sin, but they are expected to repent and pray God for forgiveness. Failing to do this, they are denied the fellowship of Christians. (1 Cor. 5:) A congregation of Christians who, collectively, no longer act in keeping with God’s will is unworthy of a name and place among the churches of Christ. (Rev. 2) The Lord’s church consists of people identified with the truth — not just a people identified with a party.

God’s Establishment Unchanged

What God established — truth — the New Covenant — never changes. (1 Pet. 1:23-f) But the party — the people could fall away. (1 Tim. 4:1-f) First their attitude toward divine authority is altered, then their practices, then, usually many years later, their terminology. Because the rule is one thing, and the people who supposedly follow the rule is another, Paul said we must not measure ourselves by our selves. (2 Cor. 10:12-f)

One may “stay with the building” “stay with the preacher” “stay with the elders” “stay with 90% of the people” — and yet leave the church which God established. In fact, this is precisely the history of denominationalism with its creed-bound people.

Christians today need to restudy their conception of Christ’s church. We must rededicate ourselves, not to some “party” but to the Christ, and to His cause. I must know the truth, and obey it, regardless of the action of others—“in the church” or out of it. I must remember that it is the purified and cleansed church– not the “party”– that Christ promises to save eternally. (Eph. 5:26-27) What God really established is firm and sure, and cannot be shaken. Heb. 10:28
Robert F. Turner

My dad turned ninety-three on January 30th and is still doing well. On January 24th he drove himself to the Little Rock, AR, airport, a two hour drive from his home, and then flew to Houston, TX. The next day, Friday, dad went to an appointment at MD Anderson Hospital, and then traveled to Victoria, TX on Saturday. Dad had a little help on the way; airports and airline workers helped him get to the proper gate and board the plane (He gets early boarding which means his choice of seats). Ninety-three years of age come with some privileges. My son, Brandon, picked him up at the airport and then went with him for his appointments, and my brother, Lynn, picked him up in Houston and took him to Victoria. After a few days, Lynn and I meet halfway between Victoria and San Antonio and I brought dad to my home for a little stay.

I often think about my great fortune to have had my mom and to still have dad. Many who know me know that I am an adopted child. I had no “natural” right to their blessings and love, but they made me as much a part of the family as their two biological sons. The same encouragement, support and discipline given to my brothers were given to me. It’s not possible for me to know everything they did, the extent or depth of all of their sacrifices on my behalf. Repayment for their love is simply not possible.

What are ninety-three years compared to eternity? Time is a measurement created by God “in the beginning” (Gen. 1) and will end at the destruction of all that is physical (2 Peter 3:5-13). We are all too familiar with the brevity of life as it pertains to time. James describes it as a vapor or mist (James 4:14) and that is true even for those who lived beyond nine hundred years old (Genesis 5). An earthly life has a beginning and an end, and that end always comes relatively soon.
Every person has eternity waiting for them. The only question is where will we spend eternity? And please understand there are but two options, eternal punishment or eternal life (Matt. 25:46).

Even though dad is doing reasonably well, he still has his aches and pains. He says his mind is showing the effects of age, and perhaps, it is a little, but I am not too sure about that. Life in the earthly body suffers and grows old. (Psalms 90:10). We don’t like it, but that is what we expect. I do not want to leave this life of pain and suffering only to go to a place where it is infinitely worse and never ending. Thankfully, heaven is an option through the adoption process.

There is One “Natural” Son of God, the Christ, Immanuel (“God with us”). (Matthew 1:20-23). Through His sacrifice for our sins, we have an opportunity to become adopted sons of God and heirs through Him (Gal. 4:4-7). In fact, faithful Christians are described as “fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him.” (Romans 8:16-17).

Here are some expressions of the Father’s goodness to His Children:
1. Loved by God – Romans 1:7
2. Grace and peace – 2 Cor. 1:2
3. Mercy and comfort – 2 Cor. 1:3
4. Blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places – Eph. 1:3
5. Holy and blameless – Eph. 1:4
6. Born again to a living hope – 1 Peter 1:3
7. Called children of God; and so we are – 1 John 3:1
8. Final victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Cor. 18:57
9. Salvation – 1 Peter 1:9

As grateful as I am to my earthly parents, and I am beyond measure, it is my eternal condition and relationship for which I am most thankful. This is what my dad and mom wanted for me. Their love and sacrifices were intended to focus my life toward God. Life is short and the opportunity to prepare for the eternal future is now.
Terry Starling